How to Choose a Senior Home Care Agency

A Gift from My Mother

I have written two books on the subject of older adults transitioning from their long-time home to a senior community or apartment. My experience came solely from my clients over the years. I observed patterns of behavior as well as obstacles to be overcome. I designed my business team to serve the families that I was honored to assist through their transition.

Enter my mother. A few months ago, my mother who is 91 had a minor stroke but fortunately retained all of her physical health except for balance issues. This was a warning sign which changed mom’s outlook for the future. She lived alone in a condominium. My father had passed 10 years ago. They were married for 61 years and living alone was tough at first but as we all must do she changed her outlook and became independent. The plan was to spend the rest of her life in the home she shared with my father. You can make your plans in life but you can’t plan the results!

After this health incident, her confidence was shaken and living alone became a challenge. Her major worry was that a fall could end her independence. She decided to move to my sister’s home and then decide what to do. After a few months living with 3 dogs, grandchildren and limited living space, she decided it was time to look at an alternative. She didn’t want to be a burden to my sister (my sister would have loved her to stay).

Like many of you out there, this story may sound quite familiar. If you are a baby boomer you have most likely dealt with a similar situation. If you haven’t you most likely will. For you the older adult, you know how truly daunting a move can be and many of you will do all you can to put off that move to a new lifestyle. Like my mom, many of you are able to navigate your home but isolation and a home that no longer works for you can cause havoc and in many cases sadness or even depression.

“Like my mom, many of you are able to navigate your home but isolation and a home that no longer works for you can cause havoc and in many cases sadness or even depression.”